Deciding for the Deceased: Burial or Cremation?
When a loved one passes away, there are a large number of decisions that need to be made. The most important of these is how the remains of your loved one will be dealt with. While in some cases the deceased made their wishes quite clear before they passed away, in other cases, it may be down to those planning the funeral to decide. Should you go with a burial or a cremation? Below is a brief guide which will help you to choose the best option for your loved one and the rest of the family.
Cremation
Cremation is becoming a more popular choice. This is largely due to the reduced cost when compared to burial. The cost of a basic cremation is around $4,000. Cremation also offers greater flexibility when compared to a traditional burial, as the deceased is not linked to one particular place. Family members can share the ashes and keep them in urns at home, which is especially nice if some live far away and can't visit the grave site. The ashes can also be sprinkled in a favourite location the deceased liked to visit.
Burial
For many people, burial remains the time-honoured and traditional choice. It has the advantage of offering a concrete way to say goodbye. Seeing your loved one being lowered into their eternal resting place can provide vital closure and aid the grieving process. Compared to cremation, which uses fossil fuels in order to reduce the deceased to ash, burial is a more environmentally friendly choice. One drawback of burial is the high cost when compared to cremation. An elaborate casket with flowers and other accessories costs $14,000.
Green Burial
Burial is seen by some people as the most natural way or returning the body to the earth. While the metal attached to caskets and embalming fluids could impede natural decomposition, many funeral homes now offer a green burial option which uses biodegradable coffins.
Regardless of the choice you make, the process of saying goodbye at a memorial service or a family gathering remains largely the same. You should take your time and consult other family members about their wishes before making an informed decision. If you need advice or assistance in planning a funeral, you should contact a professional funeral director. They will be able to help you choose the most appropriate method of dealing with the body of the deceased and also recommend flowers, music and other additions.
